While our schools are closed, it’s important that we remain focused on supporting our health and well-being. During this time of uncertainty and physical distancing, it’s important for us all to take time for self-care, and supporting our physical and mental health.

We recognize that these are stressful times for our students. We are inviting you to review the resources we have put together below. This content is intended for Grade 7 to 12 students. For resources to support students in Kindergarten to Grade 6, please refer to: Parent and Caregiver Mental Health Resources.

If you are worried about your own or a friend’s well-being or mental health, please reach out to one of the resources listed and connect with their teacher, school staff, or a trusted adult for support. I need help now from Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council.

Here24/7

Here24/7 is your front door to the addictions, mental health, and crisis services provided by 11 agencies across Waterloo-Wellington. All you need to do is reach out. They’ll work together with you to understand what you need and work to get you connected. Here24/7 does the intake, assessment, and referrals for most local government-funded addictions and mental health services. If you need a service outside what Here 24/7 can offer, they’ll do their best to link you directly.

Maintaining Mental Wellness During COVID-19 | WRSPC

Maintaining Mental Wellness During COVID-19 from the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council (WRSPC) is a list of locally developed information and tip sheets, as well as a list of local, provincial, and national support services that can be accessed virtually during this time. While we all play our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our population physically healthy, the measures we are taking such as physical distancing, self-quarantine, and self-isolation may lead to new or heightened mental health concerns such as loneliness, anxiety, or depression.

Jack.org

Jack.org is a newly created national youth website for young Canadians addressing the impact of COVID-19. The site brings together resources and self-help information through an innovative partnership between jack.org, SMH-ON and the Kids Help-Phone. Visit the site at www.jack.org/covid.

Youth at Risk Toolkit | Centre for Suicide Prevention

A Suicide Prevention Toolkit for YOUTH, developed by the Centre for Suicide Prevention. This toolkits describes the myths and facts on suicide prevention and gives ideas on how to ask for help if you are a youth and struggling with thoughts of suicide. It also provides ideas on how to help a friend who might be struggling. Resources to support youth who lost someone from suicide are also included.

Self Care and Self Awareness Guide | Starts With Me

Starts With Me’s Self Care and Self Awareness Guide provides everyday practices to improve wellbeing, promote resilience, and nurture self-compassion. The contents of this guide will help you follow a path of self-awareness, self-compassion, and emotional wellbeing that will help you cultivate good mental health.

These resources are selected as being potentially helpful to children and youth who want to learn more about well-being, and positive mental health.

Mindyourmind

Mindyourmind exists in the space where mental health, wellness, engagement and technology meet. We work with community partners and young people aged 14 to 29 to co-create interactive tools and innovative resources to build capacity and resilience.

Teenmentalhealth.org

Teenmentalhealth.org is designed to help improve the mental health of youth using the best scientific evidence available to enhance the understanding of adolescent mental health.

Region of Waterloo Public Health

The Little Black Book

The Little Black Book was developed by and last updated in 2014 by the City of Kitchener Youth Services. It’s not meant to tell you what to do, just to let you know about some options in this community. The list on the first page will give you an idea of the kind of info you can find in The Little Black Book. Check it out and use it! Almost all of the services are free. Just call the number given. If you don’t want to call yourself, ask a friend or an adult to call for you.

Beautiful Minds Student Handbook

Beautiful Minds is based on the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health program “Talking About Mental Illness” (TAMI) – an awareness program proven to be effective in bringing about positive change in people’s knowledge about mental health, and in reducing stigma that surrounds mental health issues.

Be Safe

isearchmycommunity

isearchmycommunity.ca is a one-stop-shop for information on a wide range of community services including basic needs, crisis, legal, education, health, immigration, recreation, individual/family support, youth, seniors, childcare, and much more! The information is available to the public and professionals at no cost.

Memorization Tricks

Remembering is a tricky business. We can remember some things easily yet cannot seem to remember other things. We remember some things throughout our lives, while others things seem to come in one door in our mind and go out the other. There is no “magic pill” for remembering. But here are some tips that can help.